Military medicine
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This study was undertaken to determine the percentage of soldiers who remain on active duty after undergoing a Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) for an amputation. The computerized records of all amputee soldiers who were presented to one of four Army PEBs during an 8-year period (October 1980 to September 1988) were reviewed. Only 11 of 469 soldiers (2.3%, 95% CI 1.2-4.2%) remained on active duty after amputation. ⋯ We conclude that continuation on active duty is a rare event after amputation. Further studies on active duty is a rare event after amputation. Further studies are necessary to define the characteristics associated with active duty service as an amputee and the impact of an amputation on performance of military duties.
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Data abstracted from the Report of Casualty (DD 1300) is used to describe active duty homicide victims for the period 1980 through 1992. The Marine Corps experienced the fewest homicides (186) but the highest rate (7.36 per 100,000) compared to the other services: Army (619/6.36), Navy (381/5.24), and Air Force (194/2.65). Those younger than 25 accounted for 57% of the homicides and had a higher rate than the older age groups. ⋯ Twenty-eight percent of female victims were beaten or strangled and females were over 10 times more likely than males to be strangled. The risk for homicide among active duty males was less than for males in the general population. Conversely, active duty females were at an increased risk for homicide in comparison to both males in the military and females in the general population.
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Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) is a 2-day course on handling the acutely injured patient. It has been developed by and is directed by the American College of Surgeons, and teaches a systematic approach to the care of the injured patient. ⋯ ATLS does not address the combat casualty, nor the combat scenario. Special courses must be utilized to train military medical providers for the conflicts and casualties of the future.